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Meet the Experts
Rodrick Samuelsis a barber, educator, and activist.
He is also the director ofHair Lab Detroit Barber School.
Unsplash | Design by Zackary Angeline.
Jomo Kenyattais a celebrity barber, mens grooming specialist, and Bevel brand ambassador.
Keep scrolling for the 411 on how to give yourself a buzz cut at home.
Gather Supplies
Invest in good tools, and keep your clippers well-oiled and maintained.
PeopleImages / Getty Images
Choose a Length
A 3-2-1 buzz cut has a No.
3 guard on top, No.
2 on the sides, and No.
@theresa.krosse / Instagram
1 around the edges.
Alternatively, Samuels suggests using a No.
2 guard against the grain for the entire buzz.
Does it even matter?
Replace the attachment on the clipper with a No.
2 (1/4 inch).
You’ll know when to stop shaving because the clipper will leave the head.
Repeat in strips on both sides until it’s complete, and go over any missed spots.
Don’t rush the cut.
Be careful and proceed slowly to keep from making a mistake.
check that your guards are on securely.
Buzz the Top
@theresa.krosse / Instagram
Next, place the No.
3 (3/8-inch) attachment on the clipper or continue with the No.
2 for an all-around even look.
Holding the clipper guard flat against your forehead, begin cutting from front to back.
Move the clipper back down the middle of the head slowly past the crown.
Pay extra attention to the crown.
Buzz the Back
Stand between the vanity mirror and your hand or swing-arm mirror.
At this point you should be able have full view of the back of your head."
For best results, your back should be facing the vanity mirror while you look into the hand mirror.
This will allow you to see the entire back of your head.
Repeat in strips until the entire back is cut.
Taper the Edges
Using the No.
1 (1/8-inch) attachment,taper in the edges.
This will blend into the No.
2 length section (Alternatively, you’re able to keep using the No.
2 guard, but keep in mind that this won’t give you the tapered edges).
The shortest part of the back will go up to meet the shortest part of the sides.
Go back over anything that looks out of place.
Pay close attention to the back and crown area, because these are often the areas most people miss.
Sweep up,shower, run your hands through your hair, and enjoy your new buzz.
Buzz your head about every two weeks to keep your look fresh.
